Expert shares ‘massive’ Callum Wilson claim after Newcastle reveal
Noel Whelan has hailed Newcastle United’s “natural goalscorer” Callum Wilson after he revealed his World Cup ambitions.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 30-year-old may have to manage his minutes at St James’ Park to avoid a repeat of his injury-hit 2021-22 campaign.
Wilson scored with a deft finish as Newcastle recorded a 2-0 opening day victory over Nottingham Forest on Saturday (6 August).
As per i News (8 August), Wilson insisted he is targeting a place in the England squad for this year’s World Cup – and feels 10 goals before the winter break will stand him in great stead.
The four-cap star acknowledged that he will have to “hit the ground running” in the early months of the season in order to achieve that goal.
Wilson managed eight goals in 18 games last term in an injury-hit campaign – with his 0.52 goal per game ratio bettering that of Harry Kane and Sadio Mane in 2021-22 (per FBRef).
Whelan backed Newcastle for a “big season” with Wilson leading the line for Eddie Howe’s side.
“He’s a natural goalscorer,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“He’s got the running, the intelligence, and anything that comes in the box – you know he’s got half a chance of scoring it.
“He was the key for Newcastle last season, just getting him back on the pitch. You could see what a great goalscorer he is.
“Keeping him fit and managing his body and his minutes is massive. They don’t want to push him too hard.
“He might need a bit more rest time or recovery time than other players, but he won’t lose that sharpness.
“Eddie Howe seems to be doing everything right at the moment, and everything is in place.
“Listen, this could be a big season for Newcastle.”
In other news, pundit claims Newcastle United are playing “dangerous” transfer market game after source’s reveal.